Rob 'Starbucks' Small

I’m a 59-year-old recent retiree attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I live in Naperville, which is a suburb about 25 miles west of Chicago. After spending 35 years as an IT cubicle dweller, I felt the need to do something epic. A thru-hike of the AT seemed to be the ticket. I love the outdoors and physical activities. I’ve done several backpacking trips to locations including Glacier National Park, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, the Ozarks and the Porcupine Mountains. I have an amazingly supportive wife, adult children, and grandsons. You can also follow my journey on Instagram (@robonthetrek).

Posts

Thoughts on Finishing My AT 2018 NOBO Thru-Hike

Thoughts on Finishing My AT 2018 NOBO Thru-Hike

It is finished. I summited Mount Katahdin on July 31 and thus brought my thru-hike to a conclusion. I was unsure how I would react upon reaching the

Aug 9, 2018 : Rob 'Starbucks' Small
The 100-Mile Rock, Roots, and Mud Wilderness

The 100-Mile Rock, Roots, and Mud Wilderness

I have completed 100-Mile Wilderness. This turned out to be an exceptionally challenging section of the trail for me. This turned out to be an

Aug 6, 2018 : Rob 'Starbucks' Small
I Lost My Mojo, but I’m not Quitting

I Lost My Mojo, but I’m not Quitting

It happened on the ascent of Mount Cube. Mount Cube certainly wasn't among the highest peaks I would climb at 2,900 feet, but it was where I had had

Jul 24, 2018 : Rob 'Starbucks' Small
Rocks, snakes, shin splints and back spasms. Goodbye Pennsylvania!

Rocks, snakes, shin splints and back spasms. Goodbye Pennsylvania!

I exited Pennsylvania on May 25th. I have to say it has been the toughest state so far on my 2018 NOBO thru-hike. The rocks beat my feet up

Jun 13, 2018 : Rob 'Starbucks' Small
Reflections from the Halfway Point of My 2018 AT Thru-Hike

Reflections from the Halfway Point of My 2018 AT Thru-Hike

I’m writing this from Carlisle, PA, at mile 1,130 of my 2018 AT thru-hike. These are some thoughts I’ve had as I reflect on the journey so

May 21, 2018 : Rob 'Starbucks' Small